Monday, September 26, 2011

Dental Superheroes to the Rescue!

As an orthodontic patient, you are probably more aware than most that the dental world involves a variety of specialties – orthodontics being one of the dental specialties identified by the American Dental Association (ADA).

Because there are myriad factors involved in taking care of your mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw, we sometimes call on our partners who specialize in different areas of dentistry. You can think of us and our partners as a team of dental superheroes, each with a different special power – although we usually work alone, we rely on each other for backup in tricky situations.

You may have been referred to us by your general dentist, who diagnosed your need for orthodontic treatment. In turn, we may need to refer you to a different type of specialist, should we spot any indication of a different type of problem.

Below you'll find a handy reference guide of dental specialties. Of course, should we ever refer you to another doctor, we will explain in detail exactly why your individual oral health requires a closer look by a particular specialist.

Endodontics
Dentists specializing in Endodontics are focused on the dental pulp, or soft tissue inside your teeth. As such, they are authorities on root canal treatment (extraction of the pulp from an infected tooth). With expertise in both root canal treatment and avulsion (salvaging teeth that have been knocked out), endodontists are the tooth-saviors of the dental world.

Orthodontics
Probably the best-known of the dental specialties, Orthodontics sets its sights on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems such as overbites and underbites. (These problems are known in the field as malocclusion, or "bad bite.") Orthodontists straighten and align teeth and jaws, most often using appliances such as braces and retainers.

Periodontics
Experts in the tissues that support the teeth (gums and other areas), periodontists are most often associated with the treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontists also treat complications arising from gum disease, such as lost bone and gum tissue.

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Surgery involving the bones and tissues of the face, mouth, and neck is the task of the oral surgeon. Operations include wisdom teeth removal, orthognathic (jaw) surgery, dental implants, and surgery to remove cancer. This specialty also includes cosmetic facial surgery, which can address birth defects and ease the effects of trauma, accidents, and aging.

Pedodontics
Commonly known as Pediatric Dentistry, Pedodontics is the branch of dentistry dedicated to the oral care of infants and children. Trained in child development and psychology as well as dentistry, experts in this field are especially attuned to children's needs, and focus heavily on preventative care.

Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to tooth restoration and replacement, providing a variety of options to either fix or replace problem teeth. From crowns and veneers, which work with the teeth in your mouth, to bridges and dentures, which replace them outright, prosthodontists identify the best solution for damaged or missing teeth.

"Have a WUnderful day!"

About Me

I treat my patients like extended family members and I especially enjoy the relationships I am able to establish with patients and their families during and after orthodontic treatment. I am looking forward to providing you with cutting edge orthodontic treatment with excellent service. We are here to give you a "Wu"nderful smile!

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More About Dr. Eric Wu

A graduate of Gunn High School in Palo Alto, I received my Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry from the University of California, San Diego. I had a one-year hiatus working as a plant molecular biology research assistant at the Salk Institute in La Jolla before going to dental school at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. My clinical training included a one-month stint at Guy's Kings St. Thomas Medical/Dental College in London, England. After graduating from Penn in 2000, I did a one-year Advanced Education General Dentistry residency at the University of California, Los Angeles, where I treated complex interdisciplinary cases and learned a lot on occlusion, aesthetics and how an ideal "bite" should be. Upon finishing that program, I worked as a general dentist for one year in Los Angeles in a cosmetic dental practice. I did my orthodontic residency at the University of Pittsburgh. I am a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and the Midpeninsula Dental Society. I am a certified Invisalign provider. I enjoy keeping up to date with the latest technology and treatments and attend continuing education courses on a regular basis. I am fluent in Mandarin Chinese as well as being proficient in German. In my spare time, I enjoy mountain climbing, hiking, golfing in the Bay Area, and I love to travel.